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on MENA - Middle East and North Africa |
| By: | King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | Many countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have reinforced their interest in enhancing domestic value creation from renewable energy industries while striving to achieve their green energy transition targets. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has identified key segments in the wind and solar supply chain for localization in the short term, medium term, and long term as part of its ongoing efforts to diversify its energy portfolio and protect its economy from external shocks. |
| Keywords: | Belt and Road, Capital expenditure, Circular Carbon Economy, CO2 emissions |
| Date: | 2023–03–21 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:wbrief:ks--2022-wb13 |
| By: | Selim, Tarek |
| Abstract: | This research uses mapped urbanization, PESTEL analysis, Smart City projects, and socioeconomic impacts to analyze the MENA region’s outlook on smart mobility. Countries in the MENA region are implementing large-scale smart mobility projects to combat modern urbanization challenges such as traffic congestion, informality, and pollution. Smart mobility in MENA has the potential to solve many of the urbanization challenges facing the region as well as enhance the quality of life of its growing population. Yet the two critical factors of (a) political stability and (b) adequate financial resources are strong necessary conditions for positive longterm impact. With a forward-looking young population and vivid demographics of modern cultural development, many of the MENA countries are expected to pioneer in smart mobility systems in usage and longer-term co-production. Affordability, accessibility, and efficiently usable are production conditions for social acceptance of smart mobility systems in the MENA region, such that citizen self-interests should be aligned with country economic gains. Long term recommended strategies for smart mobility in the MENA region include (1) intensive development of electrified public transportation for mass transport, (2) expansion into uncovered geographical areas using AI monitoring systems, (3) smart mobility investments to be used as a catalyst for economic diversification away from non-renewable energy sources, and (4) smart mobility eco-friendly impacts to lead the region towards long term zero emissions. Finally, (5) a mega Arab World smart mobility railways network is highly recommended, connecting the Gulf countries to Egypt to the Maghreb region, which has the potential to accelerate the MENA region towards higher levels of livelihood and sustainability and enhance the world trade outlook at large. |
| Keywords: | Middle East and North Africa, Smart Mobility, Smart Cities, Urbanization, Future Outlook |
| JEL: | H44 L86 L91 O53 R42 |
| Date: | 2024–06–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:121453 |
| By: | Salma Arabi (ENCGS - Ecole Nationale de Commerce et de Gestion de SETTAT) |
| Abstract: | The growing integration of fintech, digitalization and blockchain is transforming the Islamic banking landscape, with the promise of more efficient, transparent and accessible banking services. However, to fully realize this potential, several significant challenges must be overcome. These challenges include navigating a complex regulatory environment to ensure compliance with Sharia ethical standards, strengthening the security of financial transactions in a digital environment, quickly adapting existing infrastructure to new technologies, as well as raising awareness and training staff in innovative tools while preserving the values of Islamic finance. Our study aims to assess the potential impact of fintech technologies, digitalization and blockchain on Islamic banks in Morocco. We will explore the potential challenges associated with this integration and provide a detailed roadmap for effective adoption of these technologies. This roadmap will include essential strategic and operational recommendations to guide Moroccan Islamic banks in this crucial transition towards more modern and competitive services, while maintaining their commitment to the ethical and religious principles of Islamic finance. |
| Keywords: | Fintech digitalization blockchain Moroccan Islamic banks challenges roadmap, Fintech, digitalization, blockchain, Moroccan Islamic banks, challenges, roadmap |
| Date: | 2024–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04644039 |
| By: | Aadil Belhaj (Université Hassan 1er [Settat]); Hasna Attar (Université Hassan 1er [Settat]); Fatimaezzahra Salamate (Université Hassan 1er [Settat]); Jamal Zahi (Université Hassan 1er [Settat]) |
| Abstract: | La pandémie liée au Covid-19 a impacté toutes les nations du monde entier, et sur tous les niveaux. Ce qui a causé des restrictions qui ont visé la limitation des déplacements et de rassemblements publics. Dans cette perspective, les décideurs politiques, tout comme les dirigeants de l'éducation se sont sentis pousser à adopter une approche systématique de la transformation digitale, surtout après l'explosion du télétravail et de l'apprentissage à distance. Dans ce sens, cet article a pour objectif de mettre en avant l'importance d'une transformation digitale dans le secteur éducatif marocain et d'exposer les différentes initiatives et programmes lancés par le royaume pour promouvoir cette transformation dans le secteur éducatif. Pour cela, nous avons entrepris une analyse approfondie du paysage numérique au Maroc. L'objectif était d'acquérir une compréhension complète du sujet en examinant attentivement trois grandes initiatives qui concernent spécifiquement la transformation digitale dans le contexte éducatif marocain. Mots Clés : Transformation digitale ; Maroc ; Education 4.0 ; Système éducatif ; Numérique. |
| Keywords: | Digital transformation Morocco Education 4.0 Education system Digital, Digital transformation, Morocco, Education 4.0, Education system, Digital, Transformation digitale, Maroc, Système éducatif, Numérique. |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04637576 |
| By: | Aadil Belhaj (Université Hassan 1er [Settat]); Jamal Zahi (Université Hassan 1er [Settat]) |
| Abstract: | Over the last two decades, Morocco has undertaken flagship and structuring projects aimed at the digitalization of its public administrations and organizations. This endeavor has assisted public organizations in adequately addressing the new requirements of their environment and keeping pace with the continuous evolutions of IT. Furthermore, it has enabled them to capitalize on the extensive possibilities for information analysis and processing among individuals and functions within the organization. Moreover, the substantial costs incurred by public organizations due to the proliferation of IT investments have underscored the importance of implementing effective IT governance. This ensures alignment between IT strategy and the overall organizational strategy, as well as the creation of value from IT investments. This paper aims to identify the enablers and inhibitors of successful IT governance implementation in Moroccan public sector organizations. To achieve this objective, we conducted a multiple case study involving in-depth analysis of six Moroccan public organizations. Data were collected from documentary sources related to each case and through semi-structured interviews with IT function managers. The findings of this research enabled us to identify the facilitating practices and mechanisms (catalysts) that IT managers deem crucial for effective IT governance, as well as the barriers (inhibitors) that hinder its adoption. |
| Keywords: | Catalysts, Inhibitors, IT Governance, Public Organizations, Barriers to IT Governance |
| Date: | 2024–07–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04637479 |
| By: | Sebaq, Mohamed |
| Keywords: | Production Economics, Productivity Analysis, Agribusiness |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea22:343680 |
| By: | Mounir Bellari (EMSI - Ecole Marocaine des Sciences de l'Ingénieur) |
| Abstract: | The aim of this article is to understand the reasons that motivate Moroccan companies to manage their results in accounting terms, and to identify the various techniques used by company directors to satisfy such motivations. A series of interviews (38), with experts in accounting and finance, revealed that unlisted companies manipulate their earnings primarily to reduce the tax burden. Listed companies, on the other hand, do so to satisfy potential investors by embellishing their financial performance. To put these practices into practice, these companies prefer to use techniques for smoothing the accounting result, with the main operation being the estimation of provisions. However, one of the limitations of this study is that it focuses on manipulative practices that are, by their very nature, concealed, and therefore difficult for company management to address. To enhance its significance, such a study could be supported by a quantitative analysis, or even a qualitative case study to provide greater objectivity. |
| Abstract: | Résumé : Cet article a pour objectif de comprendre les raisons qui incitent les entreprises marocaines à gérer comptablement leurs résultats et de détecter les diverses techniques mobilisées par les dirigeants de ces entreprises pour satisfaire de telles motivations. Une série d'entretiens (38), avec des experts du domaine comptable et financier, a révélé que les sociétés non cotées manipulent leurs résultats essentiellement pour réduire le fardeau fiscal. En revanche, les sociétés cotées le font pour satisfaire les investisseurs potentiels via un embellissement de leurs performances financières. Pour matérialiser ces pratiques, ces sociétés privilégient les techniques de lissage du résultat comptable, avec comme principale opération, l'estimation des provisions. Cependant, parmi les limites de l'étude, c'est qu'elle s'intéresse à des pratiques de manipulation qui sont, par nature, dissimulées, et donc difficiles à aborder par le management de la société. Pour plus de significativité, un tel travail pourrait être épaulé par une étude quantitative, voire qualitative via l'outil étude de cas pour plus d'objectivité. Mots clés : Gestion comptable des résultats, étude exploratoire, entretiens semi-directifs. Classification JEL : M41. Type du papier : Recherche appliquée. Abstract: The aim of this article is to understand the reasons that motivate Moroccan companies to manage their results in accounting terms, and to identify the various techniques used by company directors to satisfy such motivations. A series of interviews (38), with experts in accounting and finance, revealed that unlisted companies manipulate their earnings primarily to reduce the tax burden. Listed companies, on the other hand, do so to satisfy potential investors by embellishing their financial performance. To put these practices into practice, these companies prefer to use techniques for smoothing the accounting result, with the main operation being the estimation of provisions. However, one of the limitations of this study is that it focuses on manipulative practices that are, by their very nature, concealed, and therefore difficult for company management to address. To enhance its significance, such a study could be supported by a quantitative analysis, or even a qualitative case study to provide greater objectivity. Keywords: Earnings management, acrruals, exploratory study, semi-structured interviews. JEL classification: M41. Paper Type: Empirical research. |
| Keywords: | Gestion comptable des résultats étude exploratoire entretiens semi-directifs. Classification JEL : M41. Type du papier : Recherche appliquée Earnings management acrruals exploratory study semi-structured interviews. JEL classification: M41. Paper Type: Empirical research, Gestion comptable des résultats, étude exploratoire, entretiens semi-directifs. Classification JEL : M41. Type du papier : Recherche appliquée Earnings management, acrruals, exploratory study, semi-structured interviews. JEL classification: M41. Paper Type: Empirical research |
| Date: | 2024–07–22 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04661003 |
| By: | Abdelmoumen El Abdali (UMI - جامعة مولاي إسماعيل = Université Moulay Ismaïl) |
| Abstract: | Since the adoption of the 2011 Constitution, the implementation of advanced regionalisation, and the promulgation of organic laws governing local authorities, moroccan municipalities have found themselves increasingly responsible for providing local public services that meet quality standards, and aim to satisfy users and live up to their expectations. While theoretical and empirical literature has confirmed the existence of a causal relationship between perceived quality and service satisfaction in the context of services provided by private sector companies, this study attempts to assess this causal relationship in the context of public services provided by local authorities. To this end, and drawing on theoretical and empirical research on the subject, we carried out an empirical study on a sample of 200 users living in the Sidi Kacem Urban Municipality, to assess the impact of the perceived quality of municipal publics services on user satisfaction. The results showed that the dimensions « helpfulness » of the municipality's staff, « reliability » and « tangibility » of municipal services, used to measure « perceived quality », had a positive and significant impact on user « satisfaction », while the impact of the « transparency » dimension was not significant. |
| Abstract: | Depuis l'adoption de la Constitution de 2011, la mise en œuvre de la régionalisation avancée, ainsi que la promulgation des lois organiques régissant les collectivités territoriales, les Communes marocaines se sont trouvées devant une responsabilité de plus en plus grandissante en matière de fourniture des services publics locaux répondant aux normes de qualité, et ambitionnant à satisfaire les usagers et d'être à la hauteur de leurs attentes. Certes, la littérature théorique et empirique a confirmé l'existence d'une relation causale entre la qualité perçue et la satisfaction des services dans le cadre des services fournis par les entreprises du secteur privé, mais, la présente étude essaie d'évaluer cette relation causale dans le cadre des services publics prestés par les Communes. Pour ce faire, et en s'appuyant sur des travaux de recherche théoriques et empiriques relatifs à ce sujet, nous avons mené une étude empirique, sur un échantillon de 200 individus résidant dans la Commune Urbaine de Sidi Kacem, pour évaluer l'impact de la qualité perçue des services publics communaux sur la satisfaction des usagers. Les résultats obtenus ont montré que les dimensions « serviabilité » du personnel de la Commune, « fiabilité » et « tangibilité » des services communaux, retenues dans la mesure de la « qualité perçue », ont un impact positif et significatif sur la « satisfaction » des usagers, tandis que l'impact de la dimension « transparence » est non significatif. Mots clés : Service public – qualité perçu – satisfaction – collectivités territoriales Abstract Since the adoption of the 2011 Constitution, the implementation of advanced regionalisation, and the promulgation of organic laws governing local authorities, moroccan municipalities have found themselves increasingly responsible for providing local public services that meet quality standards, and aim to satisfy users and live up to their expectations. While theoretical and empirical literature has confirmed the existence of a causal relationship between perceived quality and service satisfaction in the context of services provided by private sector companies, this study attempts to assess this causal relationship in the context of public services provided by local authorities. To this end, and drawing on theoretical and empirical research on the subject, we carried out an empirical study on a sample of 200 users living in the Sidi Kacem Urban Municipality, to assess the impact of the perceived quality of municipal publics services on user satisfaction. The results showed that the dimensions « helpfulness » of the municipality's staff, « reliability » and « tangibility » of municipal services, used to measure « perceived quality », had a positive and significant impact on user « satisfaction », while the impact of the « transparency » dimension was not significant. Keywords : Public service - perceived quality - satisfaction - local authoritie |
| Keywords: | Service public – qualité perçue – satisfaction – collectivités territoriales, Public service -perceived quality -satisfaction -local authoritie African Scientific Journal |
| Date: | 2023–10–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04643315 |
| By: | King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | On September 6, 2022, the workshop “ESG: A Barrier or a Solution to the Oil and Gas Investment Emergency?” was held in conjunction with the Arab Petroleum Investment Corporations (APICORP). This workshop had the following objectives: To continue the campaign to inform stakeholders about the alarming low investment situation in the oil and gas sector, which could result in a supply deficit in two to three years unless urgent measures are taken. To analyze the main factors affecting investment attractiveness in the sector, with particular attention to the climate issues that have shifted investors’ priorities to other industries. To analyze the role of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) scores and strategies and possible solutions that could help the oil and gas industry attract more investment and, at the same time, cope with its sustainability responsibilities. |
| Keywords: | Agreement, Allocations, Alternative fuels, Balance |
| Date: | 2023–02–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:wbrief:ks--2022-wb11 |
| By: | Audi, Marc |
| Abstract: | There is ongoing debate in empirical research regarding the impact of exchange rate volatility on exports and economic growth. While some studies argue that exchange rate volatility positively influences these economic variables, others suggest negative or negligible effects. This study seeks to clarify this debate by examining the specific impact of exchange rate volatility on the economic growth of Lebanon, utilizing annual time series data spanning from 1980 to 2023. In our investigation, we employed several econometric techniques to analyze the relationship between exchange rate volatility and economic growth. Notably, we utilized the autoregressive distributed lag model to explore both the short-term and long-term dynamics between these variables. Our results reveal a nuanced relationship: in the long run, exchange rate volatility exhibits a positive and significant effect on economic growth, while in the short run, this relationship is negative and insignificant. Further analysis identified that variables such as exchange rate volatility, investment volatility, agricultural value-added, and services value-added significantly impact economic growth in the long run. In contrast, inflation and exchange rates were found to have an insignificant effect on long-term economic growth. Specifically, inflation displayed a negative and insignificant relationship with economic growth, suggesting that while inflation can hamper growth, its impact is not statistically significant in this context. Given the inherent challenges in eliminating exchange rate volatility, our study recommends that the government of Lebanon adopt efficient macroeconomic policies aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of currency volatility. These policies should focus on enhancing economic stability and fostering a conducive environment for sustainable growth. Our findings contribute to the broader discourse on exchange rate volatility and its economic implications, offering specific insights relevant to Lebanon and potentially applicable to other economies with similar characteristics. Policymakers can leverage these insights to design strategies that balance the benefits of exchange rate flexibility with the need to protect the economy from excessive volatility. The evidence provided enhances our understanding of the long-term and short-term effects of exchange rate fluctuations, offering a foundation for informed policy-making that promotes economic resilience and growth. |
| Keywords: | Exchange Rate Volatility, Economic Growth, Lebanon |
| JEL: | F31 O16 O53 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:121634 |
| By: | King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | The circular carbon economy (CCE) is an energy transition framework that is based on a holistic, technology-neutral and country context-sensitive approach to achieving net-zero emissions. It embraces all available technologies and tools, from renewable energy to carbon capture and storage (CCS). In November 2021, KAPSARC launched the first edition of the CCE Index, which is a composite indicator that enables cross-country comparisons on two related aspects: how countries are currently performing on the CCE, and how they are positioned to make progress toward CCEs and carbon or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions neutrality. |
| Keywords: | Air conditioning, Applied general model, Article 6, Blockchain, Circular Carbon Economy |
| Date: | 2023–03–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:wbrief:ks--2022-wb06 |
| By: | Gelan, Ayele U.; Atkinson, Giles |
| Abstract: | This study is concerned with food security effects of global warming in Kuwait. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) approach to monitor impacts of human activities on climate change has essentially remained top-down. Hence, it fallen out of favour among end user communities. In this procedure, the needs of policymakers at national scale have been peripheral. Kuwait's food security is a good illustration of this. The study is implemented by applying a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model for Kuwait. The model was calibrated on Kuwaiti data to examine food security impacts of the five Shared Socio-economic Pathways. The simulation results indicate asymmetrical impacts on Kuwait's agriculture and food processing industries. Arid countries would benefit by enhancing national capacities to assess food security implications of global warming scenarios. |
| Keywords: | arid agriculture; food prices; food security; global warming scenarios; integrated assessment models |
| JEL: | R14 J01 |
| Date: | 2022–09–25 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:124122 |
| By: | Meriem Naimi Ait-Aoudia (Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning, Blida1 University); Samira Khettab (Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning, Blida1 University); Oumelkheir Boukratem (Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning, Blida1 University) |
| Abstract: | he COVID-19 pandemic advent has put the spotlight back on debates about the relationship between urban planning and health-related issues, prompting a certain amount of research works worldwide. This study set out to build an analysis grid for this relationship on the basis of a literature review and apply it to the case study. To this end, our work used two levels of bibliographical analysis: the first level focused on review of research papers, which helped identify three topics related to the consequences of coronavirus disease and subsequent restrictive measures on urban uses, namely public open space, mobility, and online uses. Our study considers these latter because of their impacts on urban use and, by ricochet, on urban planning and design. The next level based exclusively on original articles review, allowed more in-depth investigations, to break down these topics into sub-topics, and to define criteria for analyzing them, which mainly include use patterns and behavioral changes and perceptions. Drawing from the insights revealed by these studies, the present article endeavors to examine the Algerian case with the aim of nourishing the debate on the resilience of cities to health crises and suggesting better guidance for urban planning and design measures. |
| Keywords: | Algeria COVID-19 Pandemics Sustainable city Urban resilience Urban uses, Algeria, COVID-19, Pandemics, Sustainable city, Urban resilience, Urban uses, COVID-19 pandemics Urban resilience Sustainable city Urban uses Algeria, pandemics |
| Date: | 2024–03–17 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04629281 |
| By: | Alturki, Hala |
| Abstract: | There has been a major crackdown from the Saudi government this year (2024) on pilgrims performing the Hajj without a permit. The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith, continues to draw millions of devotees annually, despite the significant sacrifices, risks, and discomforts faced by those who journey without official permits. This paper delves into the underlying motives and compounded complexities driving pilgrims to undertake the Hajj without permit, examining factors such as spiritual obligation, economic barriers, and limited accessibility. By unraveling underpinning issues, the study sheds light on the shortcomings of the existing infrastructure and urban setup, which fuel the persistent demand for unauthorized Hajj participation. It emphasizes integrating past insights and present-day realities, to draw a holistic urban strategy to manage pilgrim influx sustainably while fostering economic opportunities. The proposed model advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement to refine urban planning, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance the pilgrimage experience. Ultimately, this approach aims to ensure Makkah's continued role as a spiritual hub while addressing the evolving needs of pilgrims and residents alike. |
| Date: | 2024–07–30 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:egdn4 |
| By: | Benzarour, Choukri |
| Abstract: | Algeria has joined the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), one of the largest common markets in the world. The aim of this paper is to examine the obstacles facing its economy and preventing it from benefiting from these advantages. It also highlights the measures that Algeria can take to achieve the desired objectives of joining ZLECAF, which are related to overall development, industrialisation, economic diversification and export promotion. |
| Keywords: | Algeria, African Continental Free Trade Area, Maximising Benefit. |
| JEL: | F13 F15 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:121385 |